Research Interests

The Developmental Biomechanics Lab combines experimental and computational approaches to the study of the role of mechanical forces on prenatal skeletal development. When there is not enough movement in the womb, bones and joints can be severely affected, but the underlying reasons are not well understood. It is unclear how much movement, and what type of movements, are important for normal development of the skeleton. The aim of the multidisciplinary research done being conducted in the Nowlan Lab is to enhance our fundamental understanding of the role of mechanical forces on the formation, adaptation and maintenance of healthy cartilage and bone.

Current Research Highlights

Key Topics

Mechanobiology of the developing skeleton

The effects of abnormal prenatal movements on bone and joint development

Joint morphogenesis

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

Model systems of abnormal prenatal movement

Mechanobiological computational models of skeletogenesis

Using computational simulations to explore the evolution of human bone